Thursday, December 11, 2014

The tree is up, the fire is keeping us toasty, all the lights are twinkling and the angelic little decoration rests atop the tree. And you may or may not have had the Kelly Clarkson Christmas album on repeat for days ... Lovely, right? So lovely. But that's not all there is to it, there's also people - lots and lots of them if you're like me that require gifts for the festive 'everyone you know and a few you don't comes to visit' period.

If like me 2014 was a bit of a roller-coaster, it's a great opportunity to push yourself into the spirit of things around you and attempt to see the year out on a more positive note. And what a better way of doing that than gifting and stocking filling for the ones you love, the ones that have seen you through the previous 12months with some of the cutest items out there?

First up is an adorable site I found earlier in the year on the hunt for a new phone case - +Society6 offers the most creative designs from Geek to Chic in Women's, Men's, Home &Accessories. Shops and artists from all over the world contribute and let me tell you, I've lost an hour or two there browsing for unique home accessories or some sweet and environmentally friendly shopping totes!
Today they have a fab deal on their totes including $5 off AND free worldwide shipping, so get on that! I may or may not have sneaked a little tote as a treat for myself.

Speaking of phone covers, I've become a bit of a addict of late. I chop and change far too much but there are just so many, and they're all beautiful. I'm currently rocking the shiny shield from +Captain America: The Winter Soldier which is just a little bit geeky but rather bad-ass looking if I do say so myself. (A+ film as well, check it out, one of the best of 2014!)But for gifting I've chosen the sweet and chic case from +kate spade new york via couture.zappos.com which is just beautiful and something I wouldn't mind finding in my stocking come Christmas morning!

On the cosmetics side of things, 2014 was another year of trial and error with makeup and skincare. But the fight continues, right? Two of my favourites this year (one based on packaging alone, because I am a magpie apparently) is the forever fave of +Benefit Cosmetics - Everything they do somehow becomes a favourite, and as much as I love a dupe every now and then I find it hard to give up my Beneobsession for anything. A great stocking filler I found is their Sugarlicious Deliciously nude…lip & cheek kit £25.50. Perfect for the fashionista among your ranks (or you know, a gift to yourself because hey, why not?) who wants to try out the mini versions of timeless classics such as their -

Benetint rose-tinted lip & cheek stain

High beam luminescent complexion enhancer

Sugarbomb "sugar rush flush" face powder

Ultra plush sugarbomb lip gloss

The second one was all +Agent Carter's fault or more so Hayley Atwell and her twittering for introducing me to the +Besame Cosmetics that they use for character and for the new show coming in January. The 40s look in makeup has always been a favourite of mine, and her look is just so flawlessly done - and we share a skintone and hair colouring so it's always good to know what might work on me from little details like that. The Besame cosmetics are so unique, they are packaged as if they came straight from the 40s and 50s, and their quality is simply stunning. On my wishlist is the 40s perfection that is the Red Velvet lippy! But check out their authentic style of mascaras and press powders. Perfect for that little something different that no one else is sure to have thought of!

The splurge item on the list is of course the flawless @JoMaloneLondon. For obvious reasons really - her scents are just amazing and long lasting, and the candles - while expensive are a real treat and a tiny luxury that is sure to be cherished!

Everyone, man woman or child in my opinion should have a cashmere scarf in their wardrobe. Not only are they incredibly soft, cosy and long lasting, but chances are they're super stylish as well. The one I chose for the list comes from +Nasty Gal in a nude/pink check pattern that is sure to compliment just about every coat/jacket combo and will surely keep you looking put together and polished even when there is no time for effort at all! Plus, did I mention softer than a kitten? Yes please.

The two final items are ones I have already and love - the Ugly Christmas Jumper has become somewhat of a thing this past few years, and love them or loathe them, they are EVERYWHERE. I was partial to this red one from +boohoo.com with a quote from a childhood classic Home Alone. It's cute without being too in your face, or so I tell myself. Either way it works out great for that Ugly Christmas Jumper 'night out' that everyone and their mother seems to be doing now too.

Clubbing in a jumper, is this 1990? Apparently!

And last but not least, a little sweet Karma. Via +Amazon.com these simple but elegant pieces go with every outfit, casual to formal they are delicate and beautiful and averaging around €30+ a gift that's sure to impress!

(Olaf included only if you sit to watch Frozen for the nine millionth time, sorry folks!)

Whatever you're getting up to this Holiday season I hope you do it happily, safely and full of love.